Achievement Directors

The district's achievement directors are part of the school leadership team and play a vital role in the success of our schools. They serve as a link between the schools, the community, and the district. In addition, they oversee school management. Jeffco Public Schools is divided into 17 areas providing assigned schools for each neighborhood served, as well as option and charter school choices.

Schools are supported by the achievement directors, who, in addition to the school staff, respond to parental concerns, monitor and evaluate school effectiveness, student achievement, and implementation of curriculum.

Select the name of a school below to find the Achievement Director for that school and contact information.

School Leadership
2018 -
19

KAREN QUANBECKCHIEF of SCHOOLs - ELEMENTARY

Karen has taught and been a leader in Jeffco for over 20 years. She was a principal at the elementary and middle school levels and a school improvement specialist dedicated to turnaround work in high-poverty schools. Karen holds degrees from Carleton College in economics (B.A.) and University of St. Thomas in learning technology and curriculum development (M.A.), and earned her principal licensure from University of Denver. Karen is passionate about providing exceptional educational experiences for students throughout Jeffco so every child has opportunities for success after graduation.

KRISTOPHER SCHUHCHIEF of SCHOOLs - SECONDARY

Kristopher was born and raised in Wisconsin. After a university education in Minnesota and Spain, he began his teaching career in Wisconsin and moved to Colorado to teach U.S. history and Spanish, and coach at Mullen High School. He has worked in every level, in multiple Jeffco schools, as a counselor, coach, assistant principal, principal, and achievement director. His family is "all Jeffco," as his wife is a teacher and their two daughters attend local neighborhood schools.

Achievement Directors

SCOTT ALLENSWORTH

Scott has worked in public education for 24 years. Prior to joining SIET, he was a school administrator for 13 years at both the high school and middle school levels. He enjoyed teaching before he went into school administration. Scott graduated from New Mexico State University with teaching credentials and has continued his education, earning a master's degree in instruction, then obtaining his administration licensure. Scott has a passion for making the best decisions for students so they succeed academically and socially. He supports his schools with a system perspective and encourages them to be innovators in education.

For 2017 - 18, Scott oversees middle and high schools in the Arvada West, Chatfield, Dakota Ridge, Golden, and Wheat Ridge articulation areas, as well as The Manning School.

brenda carlson

Brenda has worked in public education for 36 years in Colorado and Wyoming. Prior to joining SIET, she was a community superintendent, a principal for 19 years and a classroom teacher for 11 years. Brenda holds degrees from the University of Wyoming and the University of Southern Mississippi. She believes success is not accidental, and is a proven, motivated, energetic, and experienced leader. Her goal is to always find the heart of the hero in the educators she works with to ensure principals, teachers, and students are challenged every day to be the best they can be.

For 2017 - 18, Brenda oversees elementary schools in the Evergreen, Golden, and Wheat Ridge articulation areas, as well as Miller Special School.

DAN COHAN

Dan has worked in education for over 28 years. Prior to joining SIET, he served as executive director and community superintendent. As principal of Pomona High School, Dan worked with his staff to implement an effective Professional Learning Community and Response to Intervention model. Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and teacher certification from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He earned a master's in administration, supervision, and curriculum development from the University of Colorado, Denver.

For 2017 - 18, Dan oversees middle and high schools in the Arvada, Bear Creek, Columbine, Conifer, and Evergreen articulation areas, as well as Dennison Elementary, D'Evelyn Jr./Sr. High, and Westgate Elementary.

BETH ELMGREEN

Beth has worked in education for over 20 years. Prior to joining SIET, Beth was the principal at Bergen Valley Elementary School. Beth has been a classroom teacher, special education instructor, and an instructional coach.

For 2017 - 18, Beth oversees elementary schools in the Ralston Valley and Standley Lake articulation areas, as well as Fairmount Elementary and Vanderhoof Elementary.

ERIC EVERDING

Eric has worked in education for 23 years. Prior to joining SIET, Eric was a principal, assistant principal, counselor, and English teacher in our district. He has also worked in Jeffco’s assessment department and in the community superintendents’ office as an executive director of school management. Eric is a proud graduate of Jeffco Public Schools, having attended Allendale Elementary, Drake Middle, and Arvada West High. He comes from a family of educators and is strong advocate for the students in our public school system.

WANDA HAMILTON

Wanda has worked in education for 36 years. Prior to joining SIET, Wanda was the principal at Red Rocks Elementary for 8 years and principal at Ryan Elementary for 3 years. At Red Rocks, she led the Project PRIDE initiative to build an outdoor classroom and hiking trails around the school. Prior to moving to Colorado, Wanda worked as a teacher, principal, and central office staff member in the state of Virginia.

MARCY HOEFNER

Recognized as an accomplished instructional leader throughout our district, Marcy has been in public education for 23 years. Prior to joining SIET, she served as the director of early childhood education for Jeffco, and has held multiple administrative positions at the elementary and central levels. She is passionate about instruction that impacts our earliest learners, authentic learning opportunities for every student, and creating learning environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and risk taking. Marcy graduated from Pittsburg State University with a bachelor's in applied science in elementary ed, and a minor in math. Marcy earned a master’s in educational leadership and administration.

TIM MATLICK

Tim has worked in education for over 28 years. He started his career as a teacher and administrator for a boarding high school after which he moved into the business world. While running a business for over a decade, he continued coaching varsity and club soccer. He returned to education full time as a principal in a K-8 school and is now in his 4th year as an achievement director. He obtained Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education degrees and is currently the co-chair of the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA).

For 2017 - 18, Tim oversees Jeffco's 20 charter schools.

RENEE NICOTHODES

Over the course of her 26-year career in education, Renee has served as elementary director of curriculum and instruction, principal supervisor, principal, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. Renee holds a Master of Arts Education and a reading specialist credential from San Diego State University. Renee has a passion for working with at-risk student populations and advocating for equity and excellence in educational systems.

For 2017 - 18, Renee oversees elementary schools in the Arvada West, Columbine, and Jefferson articulation areas, as well as Jefferson Jr./Sr. High.

CELESTE SULTZE

Celeste has worked in education for over 20 years. Prior to joining SIET, Celeste was principal at Edgewater Elementary and an assistant principal at the high school and middle school levels. She is passionate about providing the best educational experiences for ALL students.

MATT WALSH

Matt has worked in education for over 23 years. Prior to joining SIET, Matt was principal at Evergreen High School, a National Blue Ribbon Award-winning school. Having been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in traditional and alternative schools, Matt brings a broad systems approach to working with the schools he oversees.